Overhead handlebar assembly for an exercise apparatus

ABSTRACT

An overhead handlebar assembly fixedly secured to the frame of an exercise apparatus. The overhead handlebar assembly may include handlebar support members, load sensors secured to the handlebar support members and a handlebar secured to the handlebar support members.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/973,350, filed Sep. 30, 2019, which application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to exercise apparatus, and more particularly to a movable overhead handlebar assembly for cardio exercise apparatus having movable belt(s) and/or foot platforms.

Exercise apparatus, for example but without limitation, treadmill exercise machines for obtaining aerobic level exercise are well known. Treadmill machines are widely used for aerobic conditioning and may be a component of a typical exercise regimen. However, an exerciser may avoid using a treadmill machine when experiencing pain from leg and/or foot injuries, back injuries or back pain from any one of numerous causes. Various exercise machines are available in the prior to exercise specific muscles and/or muscle groups or to perform specific exercises to strengthen a body component, such as the upper torso, or to perfect an athletic motion or technique, such a as proper golf swing. However, there remains a need for an exercise machine that may be used to maintain one's physical conditioning while injured, particularly when physical mobility may be limited to walking or jogging.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide exercise apparatus including an overhead handlebar assembly for exercising upper and lower body muscles.

SUMMARY

Exercise apparatus may include an overhead handlebar assembly fixedly secured to the frame of the exercise apparatus. The overhead handlebar assembly may include handlebar support members, load sensors secured to the handlebar support members and a handlebar secured to the handlebar support members.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited features, advantages and objects of the present invention are attained can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to the embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings.

It is noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exercise apparatus including an overhead handlebar assembly.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an exercise apparatus including an overhead handlebar assembly.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of an exercise apparatus including an overhead handlebar assembly.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of an exercise apparatus including an overhead handlebar assembly.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of an exercise apparatus including an overhead handlebar assembly.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of an exercise apparatus including an overhead handlebar assembly.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of an exercise apparatus including an overhead handlebar assembly.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged plane view of a display for an exercise apparatus.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an eight embodiment of an exercise apparatus including an overhead handlebar assembly.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a ninth embodiment of an exercise apparatus including an overhead handlebar assembly.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a tenth embodiment of an exercise apparatus including an overhead handlebar assembly.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view from the front of the exercise apparatus shown in FIG. 11 including an overhead handlebar assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring first to FIG. 1, an exercise apparatus is generally identified by the reference numeral 100. The exercise apparatus 100 may be of known construction and may include a base 110 supporting an endless treadmill belt 112 or slats secured to an endless chain and the like typically powered by an electric motor. A user may walk, jog and/or run on the treadmill belt 112. Upright stanchions 114 may extend generally upward from a front end of the base 110. The stanchions 114 may be spaced apart from one another. A cross bar connected between the stanchions 114 proximate an upper end thereof may support an interactive display 116 providing a user interface configured to perform a variety of functions, including displaying information to the user, such as available exercise parameters and/or programs and the like. Frame extensions 118 may extend generally horizontally from the upper ends of the stanchions 114 toward the rear end of the base 110. The frame extensions 118 may be parallel and define a space therebetween approximately equal to the width of the treadmill belt 112. The frame extensions 118 may be integrally formed with the stanchions 114 or fixedly connected thereto by welding or bolt connectors or other suitable means.

A handlebar assembly 120 may be pivotally connected to the frame extensions 118 at a connector joint 121 such that handlebar assembly 120 may be folded into a stored and parked position, more fully described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,474,928 and 9,907,994, which patents are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. The handlebar assembly 120 may be adjustably rotated about a pivot shaft 122 to move the handlebar assembly 120 fore or aft to orient the handlebar assembly 120 to a user's preferred orientation.

The handlebar assembly 120 of the exercise apparatus 100 may include generally vertically extending elongated lower handlebar members 124 fixedly secured to respective frame extensions 118 at connector joints 121. Generally, vertically extending elongated upper handlebar members 126 may be connected to the lower handlebar members 124 in end to end relationship. Load sensors 128, for example but without limitation, load cells or strain sensors, may be interposed between the upper handlebar members 126 and the lower handlebar members 124. The load sensor 128 may be captured between an upper flange 130 secured proximate the lower end of the upper handlebar member 126. A lower flange 132 may be secured proximate the upper end of the lower handlebar member 124 in facing relationship to the upper flange 130. The flanges 130, 132 may be integrally formed with the handlebar members 124, 126 or fixedly secured thereto by welding or other suitable means.

A handlebar 134 may be movably supported between the upper handlebar members 126. The handlebar 134 extends transversely between the upper handlebar members 126 terminating at journals 136 at the distal ends thereof which slide over the upper handlebar members 126. Knobs 138 connected to the journals 136 may be loosened to slide the handlebar up or down relative to the upper handlebar member 126 and thereafter tightened to a different height to accommodate different users.

During use of the exercise apparatus 100, as a user exerts a downward force at handlebar 134, absolute arm force and/or force as a percentage of user body weight may be digitally or graphically indicated at the console 116. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the console 116 displays average downward arm force in bar graph 117, and average downward leg force in bar graph 119 subjected to the treadmill belt 112 or treadmill deck. In the example illustrated in FIG. 8, a user weighing 175 pounds, exerting a downward force of 72 pounds at the handlebar 134, subjects the treadmill belt 112 to 103 pounds of downward force. Furthermore, in the example illustrated in FIG. 8, bar graphs 117 and 119 may illustrate the upper body experiencing 41% of the user's body weight, while the user's legs are experiencing 59% of the user's body weight. The treadmill frame may optionally be supported with a plurality of strain sensors 121, which after tare is accounted for, measure the total body weight of the user. With this optional arrangement the user's body weight does not need to be entered manually.

Although manual means are shown to adjust the height of the handlebar 134, remote control electric and/or mechanical actuators may be utilized such as but not limited to solenoids, servo motors, and/or hydraulic and/or pneumatic components in order to adjust the handlebar 134 height. Additionally, the handlebar 134 may be secured to the upper handlebar member 126 in a movable manner and biased upward with a spring, pneumatic, hydraulic, or similar functioning component such that a downward force at the handlebar 134 causes downward displacement of the handlebar 134 (see FIG. 9). Absolute force (with load cell 128) and/or percentage of user body weight transferred from the user's lower body to the user's upper body may continue to be measured whether or not downward (movable) displacement of the handlebar 134 occurs.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a second embodiment of an exercise apparatus is generally identified by the reference number 200. The exercise apparatus 200 may be of known construction and may include a base 210 supporting an endless treadmill belt 212 and the like typically powered by an electric motor. A user may walk, jog and/or run on the treadmill belt 212. Upright stanchions 214 may extend generally upward from a front end of the base 210. The stanchions 214 may be spaced apart from one another. A cross bar connected between the stanchions 214 may support an interactive display 216 providing a user an interface configured to perform a variety of functions, including displaying information to the user, such as available exercise parameters and/or programs and the like. Frame extensions 218 may extend generally horizontally from the stanchions 214 toward the rear end of the base 210. The frame extensions 218 may be parallel and define a space therebetween approximately equal to the width of the treadmill base 210. The frame extensions 218 may be integrally formed with the stanchions 214 or fixedly connected thereto by welding or bolt connectors or other suitable means.

The stanchions 214 extend generally upward from the base 210 with a slight rearward arc terminating at collars 230. A handlebar 234 may include a generally horizontal portion and downwardly extending leg members 236 forming an inverted U-shaped profile. The leg members 236 extend through the collars 230. Knobs 238 connected to the collars 230 may be loosened to slide the handlebar 234 up or down relative to the stanchions 214 and thereafter tightened to a different height above the treadmill 212 to accommodate different users.

A load sensor 240, such as but without limitation, a foil strain gage, may be fixed to the stanchions 214. A downward force applied by the user at the handlebar 234 may be digitally or graphically indicated at the console 216, more fully described above in reference to exercise apparatus 100. Alternatively, a beam style strain gage 242, illustrated in FIG. 14, may be employed to sense the force moment to indicate the downward force being applied by the user at the handlebar 234.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a third embodiment of an exercise apparatus is generally identified by the reference number 300. As indicated by the use of common reference numerals the exercise apparatus 300 is similar to the exercise apparatus 200. The exercise apparatus 300 may be of known construction and may include a base 310 supporting side-by-side treadmill belts 312. The treadmill belts 312 may be biased upward and/or dependently coupled pivotally secured to the base 310 at joint 313. The overhead handlebar 234 may enhance the user's sense of lateral position while exercising, thus minimizing the likelihood of inadvertently miss-stepping and twisting an ankle, for example, in the void between the treadmill belts 312. Arm force and/or force as a percentage of user body weight may be digitally or graphically indicated at the console 216, discussed in greater detail above.

Referring now to a fourth embodiment of an exercise apparatus shown in FIG. 4, stair stepping exercise apparatus is generally identified by the reference numeral 400. The exercise apparatus 400 may include a frame 410 configured to rest on a flat surface. The exercise apparatus 400 may be of known construction and include, for example but not limited to, foot platforms 412 generally reciprocating along an inclined foot path (or in an unillustrated embodiment an “escalator” style stair climber).

An overhead handlebar assembly 414 may include a stanchion 416 extending generally vertically upward from the frame 410. A handlebar support member 424 may be movably connected to the stanchion 416 at a lockable joint 426. The handlebar support member 424 may extend generally horizontally toward the rear of the frame 410 positioned generally above a central operating region of the foot platforms 412. A handlebar 430 may be fixedly connected to the distal end of the handlebar support member 424. A load sensor 432, such as but without limitation, a strain gage, may be fixed to the handlebar support member 424 such that a downward force applied by the user at the handlebar 430 may be digitally or graphically indicated at the display 417 secured to the stanchion 416. The height of the handlebar 430 may be adjusted by pivoting the handlebar support member 424 about lockable joint 426.

Referring now to a fifth embodiment of an exercise apparatus shown in FIG. 5, a gliding style exercise apparatus is generally identified by the reference numeral 500. The exercise apparatus 500 may include a frame 510 configured to rest on a flat surface. The exercise apparatus 500 may be of known construction and include, for example but not limited to, foot platforms 512 operatively connected to the frame 510.

Upright stanchions 514 may extend generally upward from the frame 510. The stanchions 514 may be spaced apart from one another. A cross bar connected between the stanchions 514 may support an interactive display 516. An overhead handlebar assembly 520 may include a generally vertically extending post 522 fixedly connected to the frame 510. A handlebar support member 524 may be movably connected to post 522 at a lockable joint 526. The handlebar support member 524 may extend generally horizontally toward the rear of the frame 510 positioned generally above a central operating region of the foot platforms 512. A handlebar 530 may be fixedly connected to the distal end of the handlebar support member 524. A load sensor 532, such as but without limitation, a strain gage, may be fixed to the handlebar support member 524 such that a downward force applied by the user at the handlebar 530 may be digitally or graphically indicated at the display 516. The height of the handlebar 530 may be adjust by pivoting the handlebar support member 524 about lockable joint 526.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a sixth embodiment of an exercise apparatus is generally identified by the reference numeral 600. The exercise apparatus 600 may be generally described as stationary bike which may include a frame 610 configured to rest on a flat surface. The exercise apparatus 600 may be of known construction and include, for example but not limited to, foot pedals 612 operatively connected to the frame 610 constrained to move through a generally circular path.

An overhead handlebar assembly 614 may include a stanchion 616 extending generally vertically upward from the frame 610. A handlebar support member 624 may be movably connected to the stanchion 616 at a lockable joint 626. The handlebar support member 624 may extend generally horizontally toward the rear of the frame 610 positioned generally above a central operating region of the foot pedals 612. A handlebar 630 may be fixedly connected to the distal end of the handlebar support member 624. A load sensor 632, such as but without limitation, a strain gage, may be fixed to the handlebar support member 624 such that a downward force applied by the user at the handlebar 630 may be digitally or graphically indicated at the display 617. The height of the handlebar 630 may be adjust by pivoting the handlebar support member 624 about lockable joint 626.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a seventh embodiment of an exercise apparatus is generally identified by the reference numeral 700. As noted by the use of common reference numerals, the exercise apparatus 700 is similar to the exercise apparatus 600 with the exception that the exercise apparatus 700 may be generally described as an elliptical machine which may include a frame 710 configured to rest on a flat surface. An overhead handlebar assembly 614 described in greater detail above may be fixedly secured to the frame 710. The exercise apparatus 700 may be of known construction and include, for example but not limited to, foot platforms 712 operatively connected to the frame 710 constrained to move through generally circular paths defining three-dimensional foot travel, more fully described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 10,315,069 and 10,328,305, which patents are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Referring now to FIG. 9, an eighth embodiment of an exercise apparatus is generally identified by the reference numeral 900. The exercise apparatus 900 may be of known construction and may include a base 910 supporting an endless treadmill belt 912. Upright stanchions 914 may extend generally upward from the base 910. The stanchions 914 may be spaced apart from one another. A cross bar connected between the stanchions 914 may support an interactive display 916 providing a user an interface configured to perform a variety of functions, including displaying information to the user, such as available exercise parameters and/or programs and the like. Frame extensions 918 may extend generally horizontally from the stanchions 914 toward the rear end of the base 910. The frame extensions 918 may be parallel and define a space therebetween approximately equal to the width of the treadmill base 910. The frame extensions 918 may be integrally formed with the stanchions 914 or fixedly connected thereto by welding or bolt connectors or other suitable means.

Handlebar support members 920 may be pivotally connected to the distal ends of the stanchions 914 at pivot shaft 915. Handlebars 922 may be fixedly connected to the distal ends of the handlebar support members 920. The handlebars 922 may be independently biased upward by spring or gas cylinders 924 having one connected to the stanchions 914 and the other end to the handlebar support members 920. In this manner a vertical rhythm of user's arm movements may be synchronized with the user's stride. Arm forces may be measured by strain sensors 926 as downward and upward forces are applied by the user to the handlebars 922.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a ninth embodiment of an exercise apparatus is generally identified by the reference numeral 1000. As indicated by the use of common reference numerals, the exercise apparatus 1000 is similar to the exercise apparatus 900 with the exception that exercise apparatus 1000 includes a base 1010 supporting side-by-side treadmill belts 1012. The treadmill belts 1012 may be biased upward and/or dependently coupled pivotally secured to the base 1010 at joint 1013.

Referring now to FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, a tenth embodiment of an exercise apparatus is generally identified by the reference numeral 1100. As indicated by the use of common reference numerals, the exercise apparatus 1100 is similar to the exercise apparatus 1000 with the exception that side-by-side treadmill belts 1012 of the exercise apparatus 1100 are linked to the handlebar support members 920 by connectors 1116. During use, the user is actuating the right and left treadmill belts 1012 vertically while the treadmill belts 1012 are dependently coupled at rocker 1118. The user nevertheless transfers weight off of the user's lower body by the amount of load transferred to the upper body despite the internal machine load transfer occurring through the rocker 1118. Consequently, strain gages 926 may continue to measure arm forces and displayed at console 916 absolute or percentage of body weight experiences between the user's upper and lower body.

While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been shown and described, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims which follow. 

1. An exercise apparatus, comprising a) a frame configured to rest on a flat surface, said frame including at least one stanchion; b) an overhead handlebar assembly fixedly secured to said stanchion, said overhead handlebar assembly including: i) a handlebar support secured to said stanchion; ii) a load sensor secured to said handlebar support; and iii) a transversely extending handlebar secured to said handlebar support.
 2. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein said load sensor comprises a strain gage fixed to said handlebar support.
 3. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein said handlebar is vertically adjustable relative to said stanchion.
 4. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 including a treadmill belt movably supported by said frame.
 5. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 including left and right treadmill belts pivotally secured to said frame.
 6. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 including left and right foot platforms operably supported on said frame for effecting constrained coordinated movement of said left and right foot platforms along a generally elliptical path.
 7. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 including left and right foot platforms operably supported on said frame for effecting constrained coordinated movement of said left and right foot platforms through a generally elliptical stepping motion.
 8. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 including left and right foot platforms operably supported on said frame for effecting constrained coordinated movement of said left and right foot platforms along a generally elliptical path having longitudinal and lateral components.
 9. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 including left and right foot platforms operably supported on said frame for effecting constrained coordinated movement of said left and right foot platforms along a generally inclined path.
 10. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 including left and right foot platforms operably supported on said frame for effecting constrained coordinated movement of said left and right foot platforms along a generally gliding path.
 11. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 including left and right foot pedals operably supported on said frame for effecting constrained coordinated movement of said left and right foot pedals along a generally cyclical path.
 12. An exercise apparatus, comprising a) a frame configured to rest on a flat surface; b) an overheard handlebar assembly fixedly secured to said frame, said handlebar assembly including: i) left and right lower handlebar supports secured to respective sides of said frame; ii) left and right upper handlebar supports secured to respective said left and right lower handlebar supports in vertical alignment; iii) load sensors interposed between said left and right lower handlebar supports and respective said left and right upper handlebar supports; and iv) a transversely extending handlebar secured to said left and right upper handlebar supports.
 13. The exercise apparatus of claim 12 wherein said handlebar is vertically adjustable along said left and right upper handlebar supports. 